LIHU‘E — A huge swell forecast prompted the County of Kaua‘i to issue a “no swimming” advisory on west- and north-facing beaches until Thursday evening.
“We encourage people to stay well away from the water and visit other lifeguarded beaches, such as Kealia Beach, Lydgate Beach Park, Po‘ipu Beach Park and Salt Pond Beach Park,” said Kaua‘i Fire Department Ocean Safety Bureau Chief David Kalani Vierra in a statement.
“Signs will be posted on Wednesday and into the weekend. Also, please check with lifeguards on current conditions.”
The advisory came after the National Weather Service in Honolulu issued a high surf warning on Tuesday for the beaches. The warning calls for waves in the range of 40 to 50 feet on north-facing beaches and 25 to 30 feet on west-facing beaches.
The warning is in effect until 6 p.m. on Thursday.
“Surf will rapidly build and exceed warning levels … through early Wednesday, peak through the day Wednesday, then hold above warning levels through Thursday as the largest swell of the season moves through,” the National Weather Service said in its warning.
“The swell will begin out of the northwest (320-330 degrees), then shift out of the north northwest (340 degrees) direction through the day Thursday.”
For updated information on ocean and weather alerts, visit the National Service Website at www.weather.gov/info. For current information about Kaua‘i ocean conditions and ocean safety, people are encouraged to speak with a county lifeguard, visit www.hawaiibeachsafety.com, or call the Ocean Bureau Safety at 808-241-4984.
•••
Wyatt Haupt Jr., editor, at 808-245-0457 or whaupt@thegardenisland.com.
